In celebration of our Couture Bridal Event, which begins today, we are teaming up with the best Connecticut event planners in a new series!  Each day we will pair a beautiful couture gown with the perfect venue and the planner will weigh in on why the match works so well. Be sure to check the blog daily for the latest pairing! Today we are featuring Candice Coppola of Jubilee Events and her thoughts on two spectacular venues and two very different gowns. First, she weighs in on pairing a sleek and structured, fit-to-flare gown with the ever-sophisticated Belle Mere in Newport, RI. Then, she pairs the New England charm of The Madison Beach Hotel with a striped gown complimented by french alencon lace. Scroll below to hear more about Candice's picks (plus her inspiration for decor), a brief bio and little more information about the event. The two main sources of inspiration for me when designing a client's wedding are the attire and the location. The two tend to go hand-in-hand, and they tell me a lot about the style, formality, and general aesthetic of the wedding! It's so important to have these two components set prior to designing your wedding, but always have your wedding style in the back of your mind while shopping for both.  I love this modern, structured gown by Amsale. Mixed with the clean palette of the Belle Mere, I'd taken inspiration from both and develop a streamlined color story (perhaps a classic black and white affair) with a hint of bling. I'd line the ballroom ceiling with chandeliers, keep the linens clean and fresh, and add elements of crystal through out- but not overdone!

The Madison Beach Hotel has a classic New England coastal vibe, and this dress from Connecticut based designer,  Modern Trousseau has sophistication with a touch of romance. I just adore the classic New England feel that the seersucker inspired silk taffeta stripe provides.  I love the lace and the fit to flair silhouette-- so romantic! I'd envision navy's and blush pinks used as a color story with this and perhaps a touch of gold. Big, romantic arrangements and feminine linens would be gorgeous for the tablescapes! I'd consider adding draping to the outside deck overlooking the water for a soft, flowy feel during cocktail hour.

    Candice Coppola is the owner and creative director of Jubilee Events, an event design and planning studio based in Cheshire, Connecticut. After opening her business in 2007, she quickly became a sought after event designer, working with clients across the United States and internationally. She is the co-author of the new inspirational coffee table book, The White Dress: in color, due in stores in October and available for pre-order now. She has been a featured expert in BRIDES Magazine, The Connecticut Bride, BRIDES Connecticut, eGala Weddings, BrideLIFE Magazine and The Hartford Courant. Her work and voice has been featured in People, Martha Stewart Weddings, Elle Magazine, Glamour Magazine, The Knot, The New York Times, Gala Weddings Magazine, Bliss Celebrations, Southern New England Weddings Magazine, WellWed Magazine, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Southern Weddings Magazine, Connecticut Magazine, Style Me Pretty, Junebug Weddings and 100 Layer Cake. She is also a featured expert for the QC Event School and chosen as one of the top 50 planners in the United States by FoxNews, Bridal Guide and the Daily Meal. Stay tuned to the blog for more great event planners, venues and gowns as we launch our annual Couture Bridal Event ! Ring us at 860.669.4596 to book your appointment for this once per year event and for a chance to receive a 10% discount off of couture gowns between $3,500 and $3,999 and 15% off gowns $4000 and up!    

xoxo, TWD